PRSSA’s ‘Catchy Communications’

Lynchburg Hillcats employee Erik Wilson shared his public relations experience with Liberty students Thursday

Communication students were invited to attend a workshop Thursday, March 21 that was hosted by Liberty University’s Public Relations Society of America (PRSSA).

During the event, Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations at Lynchburg Hillcats Minor League Baseball Club Erik Wilson spoke to students about his daily duties as well as about how important it is to begin networking as a student.

“Inviting prominent speakers to our PRSSA events allows students to gain a deeper understanding of the communications field,” Kristen Gorsuch, the president of Liberty’s chapter of PRSSA, said. “One of the reasons I enjoy and value being a part of PRSSA is because it gives me the opportunity to network with experienced professionals and gain advice for when I enter into life after Liberty.”

Wilson explained that when he was in college, he studied business economics and accounting. However, after graduation, he realized that he would rather pursue an alternate career choice in public relations.

“Internships and hands-on experience are important,” Wilson said. “If you can put something together in front of employers that can make you look viable and that you know what you are doing, that is incredibly important for getting a career for a job that will interest you for the rest of your life.”

According to Wilson, he eventually took an internship in the sports broadcasting field, which caused him to realize that he wanted to work in that area. When he landed his job with the Hillcats, he had to move from California to Lynchburg.

Wilson stressed the need to be willing to relocate and emphasized the importance of networking while still in college.

“When you have the chance to attend events where you can meet future employers, you should not take the opportunity for granted,” Wilson said.

His primary focus during the presentation was toward communication students wanting to enter the sports industry.

“If you are going into sports, you will have to do more than public relations,” Wilson said. “You will have to convince people you can sell things and be competitive. Begin now looking into job websites and get your résumé out to the right people early.”

Members of PRSSA believe that it is very important for communication students to attend these events.

“This is a unique opportunity to hear about the importance and role of communications in the sports industry. Whether you are into sports or not, challenge yourself to learn about communications and the different ways it can be used,” Bailie Porter, director of communications for PRSSA, said.

For more information about future PRSSA events, visit liberty.edu/PRSSA.

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